Shop Information

The Shop Information section of the ASVAB assesses your knowledge of basic hand tools, power tools, fasteners, and mechanical processes used in construction and repair. This is especially relevant for careers in vehicle maintenance, construction, and mechanical repair fields.

On the CAT-ASVAB, the Auto and Shop Information section is divided into separate Auto and Shop subtests, with 11 shop-related questions in 6 minutes. On the paper version, the two subjects are combined, with 25 total questions in 11 minutes.

1. Measuring Tools

Accurate measurements are critical in mechanics, carpentry, and metalworking. Various tools help measure dimensions, depths, and thread sizes.

Common Measuring Tools

Calipers – Used to measure internal and external dimensions.
- Outside Calipers – Measure external size.
- Inside Calipers – Measure internal size.
- Components: Legs, friction joint.
Micrometer – Measures precise dimensions.
- Components: Spindle, anvil, sleeve, thimble.
Spirit Levels – Ensure level surfaces.
- Types: Tubular spirit levels, bullseye spirit levels.
Steel Squares – Measure and mark right angles.
- Blade: Longer arm.
- Tongue: Shorter arm.
Tape Measure – Flexible measuring tool used for general length measurement.
Steel Rule – A rigid measuring tool for straight-line measurements.
Depth Gauges – Measure hole depths precisely.
Thread Gauges – Measure thread pitch on bolts and screws.
Wire Gauges – Measure wire thickness for electrical work.

2. Striking Tools

Striking tools deliver impact force for shaping, driving, or breaking materials.

Types of Hammers

Ball-Peen Hammer – Shapes metal and closes rivets.
Claw Hammer – Drives and removes nails.
Sledge Hammer – Used for heavy-duty impact work.
Rubber/Wooden Mallet – Prevents surface damage when striking.

Other Striking Tools

Pneumatic Nail Gun – Uses pressurized air to drive nails efficiently.
Chisels – Used for cutting wood or metal.
Punches – Used to mark or drive material.
Drifts – Align holes or drive parts into place.

3. Turning Tools

Turning tools provide grip and torque for screws, nuts, and bolts.

Screwdrivers

Flathead Screwdriver – Works with slotted screws.
Phillips Screwdriver – Works with cross-head screws.
Robertson (Square-Tip) Screwdriver – Used for square drive screws.
Torx Screwdriver – Used for star-shaped screws (common in electronics).

Wrenches

Open-End Wrench – U-shaped, grips nuts and bolts.
Box-End Wrench – Encloses nuts/bolts for a stronger grip.
Combination Wrench – One open-end and one box-end.
Adjustable Wrench (Crescent® Wrench) – Jaw width can be adjusted.

Sockets & Ratchets

Sockets – Attach to ratchets to turn fasteners.
- Six-Point Socket – Provides a stronger grip.
- Twelve-Point Socket – Allows easier angle access.
Ratchet – Allows continuous turning without repositioning.
Pneumatic Air Impact Wrench – Uses compressed air for high-torque applications.

Bolts & Nuts

Thread Pitch – The distance between threads on a fastener.
Common Nuts – Hex nuts, wing nuts, lock nuts used for securing bolts.

4. Fastening Tools

Fastening tools secure materials together using various fasteners.

Types of Fasteners

Ring Fasteners – Snap rings or retaining rings hold components in place.
- Internal and External snap rings.

Soldering & Welding

Soldering – Joins materials using melted metal.
- Types of Solder: Lead-based, silver, copper.
- Tools: Soldering iron, soldering gun.
Welding – High-heat metal joining method.
- Oxyacetylene Welding – Uses acetylene and oxygen flame.
- Electric-Arc Welding – Uses electrical arc to fuse metals.
- Stick Welding (SMAW) – Uses coated electrodes.
- MIG Welding – Uses wire electrode and shielding gas.

Protective Welding Equipment

Welding Helmet
Gloves
Jacket
Safety Glasses

5. Gripping Tools

Gripping tools hold or manipulate objects securely.

Types of Pliers

Slip-Joint Pliers – Adjustable for gripping different sizes.
Adjustable Joint Pliers (Channellock®) – Good for plumbing and gripping pipes.
Lineman Pliers – Used for electrical work.
Diagonal Cutters – Cut wires and small pins.
Needle-Nose Pliers – Reach tight spaces.
Locking Pliers (Vise-Grip®) – Clamp onto objects and lock in place.

Clamps

C-Clamp – Holds objects together.
Bar Clamp – Secures larger workpieces.

Vises

Bench Vise – Holds objects for cutting or shaping.
Pipe Vise – Holds pipes and cylindrical objects.

6. Cutting Tools

Cutting tools shape or remove material.

Manual Saws

Crosscut Saw – Cuts wood across the grain.
Rip Saw – Cuts wood along the grain.
Coping Saw – Cuts intricate shapes.
Hacksaw – Cuts metal.

Power Saws

Circular Saw – High-speed wood cutting.
Miter Saw – Makes angled cuts.
Table Saw – Used for precise, straight cuts.
Band Saw – Ideal for curved cuts.

Drilling & Boring

Drill Bits – Cut holes in wood, metal, and plastic.
Hole Saws – Cut large-diameter holes.
Electric Drill – Power tool for drilling.

Safety Tips for Drilling

Wear safety glasses.
Secure workpieces with clamps.

7. Finishing Tools

Finishing tools smooth and refine materials.

Planes – Smooth wood surfaces.
Wood Chisels – Used to carve wood.
Files – Remove small amounts of material.
- Single-cut and double-cut files.
Rasps – Coarse file for shaping.

8. Clamping Tools

Clamping tools secure materials while working.

Pliers – Can act as temporary clamps.
Vises
- Bench Vise – Holds large workpieces.
- Hand Screw Vise – Uses wooden jaws for delicate work.
C-Clamps & Bar Clamps – Hold objects securely in place.